Barbados High Commissioner, Health Minister Discuss Strengthening Ghana’s Health Sector

The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Byone-Sutherland, has met with Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss key issues in the health sector, including funding, rural healthcare incentives, and hospital infrastructure.

During the meeting, Hon. Akandoh emphasized the urgent need for increased healthcare funding to enhance service delivery. To address the challenges faced by health workers in rural areas, he outlined a proposed incentive package, which includes a 20% salary increment, expedited promotions, and scholarships for further training. He also stressed the importance of granting steady paid leaves to encourage health workers to stay in underserved regions.

The Minister further highlighted the need for six additional hospitals to serve Ghana’s newly created regions and revealed plans to upgrade regional and teaching hospitals to attract more skilled medical professionals.

In response, High Commissioner Byone-Sutherland commended the Ghanaian government’s commitment to healthcare improvements. She also proposed a collaboration where Barbadian nurses could participate in training programs in Ghana, gaining hands-on experience in the field.

The meeting underscored the value of international partnerships in strengthening healthcare systems. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to addressing workforce challenges and ensuring quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians.